By: Michael Madavi
Since its founding in 1996, the bay area’s Asian Man Records has set the bar independent labels with its perfect blend of homegrown punk rock fun, political awareness, and a living example of DIY business. From the beginning, the label has been run by the Asian Man himself Mike Park out of his parents basement in Northern California with the help of one full time employee and Mike’s mom. Park started putting out records in 1991 and founded the label in 1996. Despite the humble facilities and manpower, this little punk label that could has turned out some of the finest and influential music of recent memory. Bands like Alkaline Trio, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Big D & The Kids Table, Five Iron Frenzy, Lawrence Arms, Let’s Go Bowling, MU330, Slow Gherkin, Short Round, Skankin’ Pickle, Smoking Popes, Tuesday, and The Queers are either still signed to the independent label or were at one time. If you’re into punk, pop-punk, third wave ska, or rock n’ roll, you probably already know everything I’ve just mentioned: they’re an institution of the scene. Besides their awesome music and true DIY ethics, Asian Man also only works with artists who are anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-prejudice and regularly reaches out to the local community with benefits and awareness events. They continue to shine as an example of a true independent label that has no other motives for what they do besides a true and genuine love of music and a desire to empower real musicians.
Recently Asian Man has put out some great new records including a collection of out of print songs from various 7 inches and compilation tracks from Smoking Popes, a record from Operation Ivy’s Jesse Michaels new group The Classics of Love, and folk-punk favorites Andrew Jackson Jihad. Check out some of the best independent punk rock around!
Smoking Popes
“Sandra” (mp3)
from “It’s Been A Long Day”
(Asian Man Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
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Andrew Jackson Jihad
“Heartilation” (mp3)
from “Can’t Maintain”
(Asian Man Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
Artist: Classics of Love
Release: Walking in Shadows EP
Label: Asian Man Records
Genre: Punk : Punk Rock
Territories: Worldwide
UPC:612851018228
Release Date: 6/2/09
